Things to check at home to keep your kids safe

Take a few minutes and take our quick tour, so you’ll find the time to live for the things you love with your family - in a safe way.

• Keep cleaning products and other chemicals safely away from children, either out of their reach or within locked cabinets and drawers.
• Read the labels before using cleaning chemicals to know what to do in case of exposure.
• Look for old appliances, fraying wires or overloaded electrical outlets that could be fire hazards.
• See if there are any pieces of furniture that have sharp edges that could hurt somebody.
• Have at least one fire extinguisher. Check on the extinguisher often, and every once in a while, gently turn it over to make sure the contents don’t become compacted at the bottom.
• Battery powered smoke alarms are very easy to install and a great way to get early warning of smoke in your home. It’s a good idea to place smoke detectors in all of your bedrooms.
• Also install battery-powered carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home, if needed.
• Have a well-stocked first aid kit somewhere centrally located in your home. Your first aid kit should include activated charcoal, adhesive tape, antiseptic ointment, adhesive bandages, blanket, cold pack, disposable gloves, gauze pads and roller gauze, hand cleaner, plastic bags, scissors and tweezers, a small flashlight with extra batteries and a triangular bandage.
• If you have children, or children often come over to visit, put plastic covers in your electric outlets so they can’t stick objects into them and get shocked.
• Make sure that you have a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) electrical outlet installed in your kitchen, bathroom and around any other water source. These electric outlets can prevent electrocutions, electric shocks and some electric fires.
• Keep all electronics a safe distance from the sink, bathtub and shower in your bathroom as well as the sink in the kitchen.

Investigate any water stains or cracks that may appear on your ceilings. They could be signs of a serious water leak—either in your roof or in your water pipes.

If not taken care of, the ceiling may eventually weaken and fall. If the problem is serious, you should call a professional.

You can incorporate home safety into your cleaning routine. You’ll definitely feel more comfortable knowing that your home is safe—for you and your guests. And now it’s time to enjoy your safe home together.